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(from
page 31)
These shedding tapes must be baked in a oven at 130 ± 5
for 8 hours. This stabilizes the tape binder for short term periods
of about 1 month. 130 is a pretty low temperature so don't
worry about melting plastic reels etc.. It's a good idea to
use a thermometer that's accurate in this temperature range
because most oven dials will probably be off a few degrees. Also,
let the oven's temperature stabilize for 30 minutes before
baking your tapes. After baking, it is critical to allow a 24
hour room-temperature cool down period so the binder will set.
Playing tapes right out of the oven can wipe oxides right off
the mylar!
Some tapes will require two baking treatments before use , so
scrutinize your once baked reels for signs of further shedding.
In addition to short term stabilization of the binder, baking
brings tape lubricants to the surface of the tape. These lubricants
allow the tape to run through your transport smoothly. Unfortunately,
subsequent use of
baked reels depletes the lubricants. This means hydrolyzed tapes
can only be baked and used 2-3 times before they are lost forever.
Therefore consider dubbing your baked reels to fresh tape for
longer term storage. Store tapes with reels wrapped in plastic
only when using silica gel packets (available at American Science
& Surplus, 5696 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL). Storage
room temps should be an ideal 65° with 40% relative
humidity. Also, annually shuttle wind reels to "air them
out".
The Eardrum spoke with Ampex, Magnetic Reference Laboratories,
(the test tape people) and EAR's own Jeff Hamilton of BASF
about policies concerning hydrolyzed tapes. These companies will
help you with your problem tapes if you call them. Ampex's
helpful Senior Product Support Engineer Jay Zacharias told The
EARDRUM that Ampex will bake your shedding Ampex tapes for no
charge (except shipment to Ampex). MRL Labs has a credit policy
toward purchase of a new test tape (on the tape of your choice)
based on the age of your shedding tape. BASF's Jeff Hamilton
says that their binders in use since 1972 have experienced no
breakdown problems. Jeff also notes that BASF manufactures BASF
911 test tapes as well.
GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE!
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